After taking a look at each team during the preseason, along with doing a little deeper research as we presented an individual preview for each team, we've come up with the following 2008 NFL season prediction.
AFC East
New England Patriots - Can anyone slow down the combination of Tom Brady and Randy Moss?
New York Jets - The additions of Brett Favre, Alan Faneca, Kris Jenkins, and Calvin Pace will help make the Jets competitive, but not to the point that they will challenge the Patriots.
Buffalo Bills - The consensus No. 2 pick for the division until Favre came around.
Miami Dolphins - Have a long way to go, but have the right man in Bill Parcells to get the job done.
AFC North
Cleveland Browns - Coming off a 10-6 season, the Browns defense, which was among the worst in the league in 2007, received a significant upgrade during the offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals showed how much they believe character counts by cutting Chris Henry. Oh wait... bad example!
Pittsburgh Steelers - Where’s the help on the offensive and defensive lines?
Baltimore Ravens - As is the norm, the Ravens enter the season with a hard-nosed defense and a questionable offense.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts - As long as Peyton Manning is healthy, the Colts will be contenders.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride.
Tennessee Titans - A very solid team where it really counts; on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Houston Texans - An improving team with the misfortune of playing in a tough AFC South.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - One of the most talented teams in the league facing one of the easiest schedules. This team’s a shoe in for the playoffs.
Denver Broncos - Must keep Jay Cutler’s health in check, but it may not matter if they can’t play defense.
Oakland Raiders - With Justin Fargas and rookie Darren McFadden, running the ball shouldn’t be a problem. Stopping the run could be a different story, though.
Kansas City Chiefs - Gave up on the 2007 season the minute they traded defensive end Jared Allen.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys - Loaded with talent, but can they win in January?
Philadelphia Eagles - Anything short of the playoffs could mark the end of Donovan McNabb’s time in Philly.
Washington Redskins - The Redskins taking the conservative approach to the offseason? Who’d a thunk it?
New York Giants - Might the Super Bowl curse strike the winning team this time around?
NFC North
Green Bay Packers - Seriously... Aaron Rodgers over Brett Favre?
Minnesota Vikings - If they had a quarterback, this would be the team to beat in the NFC.
Detroit Lions - Rod Marinelli is overhauling this roster with players that fit his mold, and I believe it will begin to show this season.
Chicago Bears - Everyone talks about the quarterbacks, but it’s the offensive line that’s going to kill this team... and those maligned QBs.
NFC South
New Orleans Saints - Defensively, they’ve improved on paper. But will all the new pieces come together?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Age at some key positions could catch up with the Bucs this year.
Carolina Panthers - Head coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney probably won’t survive another season of not making the playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons - Let the Matt Ryan era begin... and the Michael Vick era end.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals - Regardless of who is running the offense, this team has the potential to put up a lot of points this year.
Seattle Seahawks - It won’t be easy overtaking this team playing for Mike Holmgren one last time.
St. Louis Rams - Steven Jackson could be even more effective under new offensive coordinator Al Saunders.
San Francisco 49ers - Look for Mike Nolan’s defense to turn the corner this season.
NFC Playoff Teams
Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers
New Orleans Saints
Arizona Cardinals
Minnesota Vikings
Seattle Seahawks
AFC Playoff Teams
New England Patriots
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
San Diego Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars
New York Jets
NFC Champion: Dallas Cowboys
AFC Champion: New England Patriots
Super Bowl XLIII Champs: New England Patriots
